Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 26, a defendant accepted a deal from the prosecution that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed.
Jaykell Mason, 26, was initially charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assaulting a law enforcement officer while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Terence Dantzler, 29. The incident occurred on Feb. 13, 2020 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW. Mason also fired shots in the direction of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer.
Judge Park reviewed the plea deal and Mason reiterated his acceptance to the agreed terms. Under his plea agreement, parties stipulated that Mason would receive a total prison sentence between 12-to-24 years, subject to Judge Park’s approval. Judge Park also explained to Mason that he must register as a gun offender in DC when released.
If the case had proceeded to trial, the prosecution explained the evidence would have proved that Mason struck Dantzler in the head and fired another two shots to his chest while he was already down. While fleeing the scene Mason then fired his weapon in the direction of an MPD officer as she was running.
Judge Park also explained that at trial, Mason could have raised an insanity defense where he could be held not criminally responsible if it was found his mental health prevented him from understanding his actions were wrong. However, since he accepted the plea deal, he waived this right, which he acknowledged.
Mason’s sentencing was scheduled for Oct. 2.
